European year to combat poverty launched in Madrid

26 January 2010

Ten years ago, EU leaders pledged to 'make a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty' by 2010. Today however, almost 80 million Europeans are at risk of poverty, living on an income below 60% of the average household income in their country. As unemployment continues to rise across the EU, the timing of this particular special year seems opportune.

"The European Year 2010 should act as a catalyst to raise awareness and build momentum for a more inclusive society which is part and parcel of the EU's future 2020 strategy that I have proposed," said European Commission President José Manuel Barroso. He also announced that the fight against poverty would continue beyond its year in the spotlight, and would in fact be incorporated into the EU's long-term thinking.

The 2010 European Year aims to raise greater awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty in Europe, both among key players such as governments and social partners and among the public at large. It also aims to mobilise these different partners in the fight against poverty; promote social integration and inclusion; and encourage clear commitments on drawing up EU and national policies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.

The Year's activities will be largely decentralised across each of the 29 countries taking part (the 27 EU countries plus Norway and Iceland). A €17 million budget will support awareness-raising campaigns at European and national level, as well as hundreds of national projects linked to different national priorities.

Finally, it is important to point out the close link between discrimination and poverty and social exclusion. Discrimination is one of the causes of poverty and social exclusion. Furthermore, poverty and social exclusion also increase the risk to experience discrimination. In this context, Equinet warmly supports this European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and welcomes any opportunities to contribute in this initiative’s activities.

Further information

European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010

http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu

Calendar of events

http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu/calendarofevents/?langid=en